2001 740i ignition key wont turn

[Staszek]

So I did a lot of searches on this, I am assuming its the tumbler, but all the threads are for earlier cars so I dont know what parts I may need.

Drove to the office today, car has never had this issue, always starts and shuts off easily.

Parked the car and then when I came out this afternoon the key wont budge once I put it in. Tried pulling the steering wheel to one side then the other, still wont move, not even an MM.

I want to get the car home, so I am going to take the ignition switch out and turn with a screw driver, hopefully I can get it started with the Key in the ignition.

I am assuming I have to replace the tumbler, but what is that part number for an 01?

[purplecty]

Try some WD40 or lubricant to free it up?

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[jclausen]

Mine started to act up and I replace the tumbler that fixed it

[Staszek]

That’s the question what’s the part number for the facelift cars tumbler?

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Try some WD40 or lubricant to free it up?

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Nope but I will try today. Left the car last night in the work parking lot.

[purplecty]

Jiggle it a little too but dont force it...

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[Staszek]

Jiggle it a little too but dont force it...

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Oh I jiggled it yesterday lol! I will bring the WD 40 with me

[Timm]

This is often due to the Bowden cable that runs from the shifter to the lock. Obviously, first check that you have the car in Park as the key will not turn otherwise. If you ARE in Park then re-adjust the Bowden cable using this method:

https://www.meeknet.co.uk/E38/Steptronic_Adjust.pdf

[Staszek]

This is often due to the Bowden cable that runs from the shifter to the lock. Obviously, first check that you have the car in Park as the key will not turn otherwise. If you ARE in Park then re-adjust the Bowden cable using this method:

https://www.meeknet.co.uk/E38/Steptronic_Adjust.pdf

Thanks that is possibly it, I was able to play with what looks like a circular clip around the ingnition tumbler after I took the covers off and was able to start the car.

Once I turn it off and take out the key it locks again and wont turn, but all I have to do is turn that clip a little forward with the key and it works.

That will be my temporary solution until I fix it.

[Staszek]

Now that I look at it closer it probably is that cable. Is this what its connected too?

[Timm]

You can see the Bowden cable in this diagram:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=32_0703

The bit you have pictured is the transponder ring, barrel and o-ring from right to left....